Dolphins linebacker Dannell Ellerbe is sidelined by shoulder injury

MIAMI GARDENS - Dannell Ellerbe, the Miami Dolphins' starting middle linebacker, has been nursing a handful of injuries all season, but none of them have kept him from starting a game.

However, Ellerbe suffered a shoulder injury late in the first-quarter of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, and he hasn't returned to action since recovering a fumble that led to a 37-yard field goal from Caleb Sturgis.

Ellerbe, who came into the game leading the Dolphins with 38 tackles, has been replaced by Jason Trusnik as Miami's starting middle linebacker.

This isn't the first time Ellerbe, a former Ravens starter, has been sidelined by an injury since joining the franchise. He's nursed a rib, pectoral, torso, and knee injury since the season started.

Every week Ellerbe has suffered a new injury, and it appears the should might be the most problematic considering he needs it to bring down defenders.

The Dolphins fortunately have a bye week after Sunday's game, which will give provide Ellerbe 14 days to recover before Miami's Oct. 20 game against the Buffalo Bills.